PEMBINA VALLEY, Manitoba – The Muslim community in Pembina Valley, Manitoba, invited their neighbors to learn more about their faith and different cultures of Muslims, as part of events marking Islamic History Month in Canada.
“I’ve never really liked the word tolerance,” Minister of Finances Cameron Friesen told Pembina Valley Online on Saturday, October 14.
“Tolerance sounds like it has a bubbling point and when I think of seeing through someone else’s eyes, seeing the world through those eyes, then somehow tolerance doesn’t seem to describe that.”
Muslim Heritage Exhibition Day was held last week as part of Islamic History Month in Canada, to open discussions and share about their culture and beliefs.
Along with Minister Friesen, special Guests included an Imam for the Manitoba Islamic Association, Winkler Mayor Martin Harder, and President of Islamic Social Services in Winnipeg Shahina Siddiqui.
Siddiqui answered people’s questions on Islam and misconceptions surrounding it.
“After 9/11 things changed. What was once curiosity became hate. As a grandmother now I am so concerned what I’m leaving behind for my grandchildren, what kind of Canada,” she said.
The word ‘Jihad’, which is often associated with terrorism, was one of the main topics discussed, as Siddiqui explains Jihad is an Arabic word which means struggle and striving.
“Jihad is not terrorism,” said Siddiqui.
“Terrorism is not Jihad. This is a big mistake we have done in confusing the two terms are synonymous.”
She also explained to audience what is the Qur’an, the Muslims’ holy book.
“If you really want to know the Qur’an, sit down with a person who speaks the Arabic of the Qur’an. Rely on the exegesis of the Qur’an by both Muslims and non-Muslims. Some of the best books on Islam are by non-Muslims.”
Siddiqui concluded saying that difference isn’t a weakness, adding that it is what makes the best parts of our communities.
“God made us different, diverse,” she added.